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2008 Boston Red Sox MLB Picks & Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

There’s no sense in beating around the bush. Jimmy Boyd’s 2008 Boston Red Sox season preview see Bean Town among baseball’s best again. I picked the Red Sox to win it all last season with my MLB predictions and they did not let me down. It wasn’t too long ago when Boston was seen in the same light as the Cubs – clubs destined to lose by supernatural forces. But now Boston is clearly the cream of the crop with titles in the 2004 and 2007 seasons.

Starting Rotation/Bullpen

Boston’s offense may be one of the best in baseball, but it all starts with the pitching for this team. Josh Beckett was the only 20-game winner in 2007 and further solidified his reputation as a master in big games with his 4-0 record and 1.17 ERA in the playoffs. The Sox are expecting more from Daisuke Matsuzaka in 2008. A 15-12 record with a 4.40 ERA and 201 strikeouts is better than several number ones across the league, but Boston sees way more potential in this kid. Schilling is getting up there in years and health is somewhat of a concern, but how could you not retain a guy that is 11-2 with a 2.23 ERA in the postseason. And I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Tim Wakefield is the most underrated pitcher in baseball. He is third on Boston’s career wins list behind Roger Clemens and Cy Young. Left hander Jon Lester won the World Series clincher for the Sox and is the necessary lefty in the starting rotation. As far as the pen goes, in just two seasons Jonathan Papelbon has become one of the game’s elite closers. He has a .889 save percentage and averages 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings. Hideki Okajima was nearly as valuable as a setup man with his 27 holds – third in the AL.

Batting Order

Jacoby Ellsbury is expected to lead off for the Sox in 2008. He batted .364 in 132 at bats for them last season after being called up from triple-A Pawtucket. He also gives this power-heavy lineup a speed threat to rely on. Dustin Pedroia will fill the two-hole as the reigning AL Rookie of the Year. I’m expecting a big season number two from this youngster as his confidence continues to grow. David Ortiz had an off year in 2007, if I can even say that. He still had 35 homeruns and 117 RBIs. Big Papi is showing no signs of major declines and will be among the best AL sluggers in 2008. Last season was the first year that Manny Ramirez failed to reach totals of 30 homeruns and 100 RBIs since 1997. I expect him to eclipse both of those marks this year. Not enough can be said about World Series MVP Mike Lowell who batted .324 and belted 120 RBIs. Both were career bests. J.D. Drew, Kevin Youkilis, Jason Varitek, and Julio Lugo will round out the order. I’m not a big J.D. Drew fan and I still think the Sox gave too much for him. Boston boys love Varitek and what’s not to love. Good catchers behind the plate rarely swing a stick the way this guy does.

The Red Sox are one of the most complete teams in baseball and now appear to have the Yankees’ number. We feel Boston will win the AL East in 2008 and be one of the top contenders for the World Series.

Jimmy Boyd is coming off the best MLB season of his career, profiting premium clients over 5000 units. Get ready for more of the same in 2008 with the best big league bopper in the game.

Odds to win AL East: 10/11
Odds to win 2008 AL Pennant: 11/5
Odds to win 2008 World Series: 7/2

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